Aim: To investigate the association of the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence with physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: This study used the data of 565 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years (mean age: 74.3 ± 5.2 years) from the Kasama Health Checkup for Longevity survey in Japan. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was used to comprehensively evaluate the higher-level functional capacity and subscale functional capacity: technology usage, information practice, life management and social engagement. Physical functions were assessed using grip strength, the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, 5-m habitual walking test, one-leg standing test and hand working test with a pegboard. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Five-Cog test consisting of attention, memory ability, visuospatial function, language ability and reasoning ability. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between total Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence score and physical and cognitive functions.
Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, the total Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence score was favorably associated with static balance ability (β = 0.09; B = 0.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.00-0.02), lower limb strength (β = -0.19; B = -0.29; 95% confidence interval: -0.41 to -0.16), walking ability (β = -0.15; B = -0.67; 95% confidence interval: -1.05 to -0.30), hand dexterity (β = -0.13; B = -0.08; 95% confidence interval: -0.14 to -0.03) and overall cognitive function (β = 0.28; B = 0.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.05).
Conclusions: Physical and cognitive functions are important for maintaining higher-level functional capacity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 753-758.
Keywords: Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence; cognitive function; hand dexterity; higher-level functional capacity; lower limb function.
© 2022 Japan Geriatrics Society.